Abstract

Recent proposals concerning the space shuttle vehicle have revived interest in the aerodynamics of efficient lifting re-entry configurations. The flat-bottom delta has been extensively studied as a promising shape for the wide range of flight conditions encountered by the shuttle. An experimental study by Opatowski has indicated that, in cruising flight, the caret wing has some advantage over the flat delta. There is, however, a lack of information on the force characteristics of caret wings under conditions appropriate to re-entry.